Setting up a Representative Office in China
When a foreign company decides to try and sell to the Chinese market, there are several options – working through an agency or distributor, or registering a representative office (RO). Whereas an agent or distributor may have limited loyalty or little interest in end-user satisfaction, an RO is an effective way for...
Permitted Allowances for Foreign Employees in China
The Chinese Tax Bureau allows foreign staff (including those from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) to deduct certain “allowances” before calculating the tax burden on their monthly salary. This is something that should be discussed between an employee and employer as part of the overall salary package discussions,...
RMB commitment opens new chapter in China’s global ...
By Gerald Field, Head of Global Banking and Markets, HSBC New Zealand The recent announcement that China’s State Council has called for a detailed plan to achieve full convertibility for the yuan marks the start of a series of profound and beneficial changes that will resonate both inside and outside China for years...
Importing food into China: Steps and strategic considerations
From China Solutions Importing into China requires familiarity with relevant procedures, certifications, and regulations, as well as corresponding challenges. This is all the more crucial when importing food products, which are highly regulated. This CS alert discusses key steps to import food products into China, as...
Discovering The "Other" China
By John Cochrane, NZTE Trade Commissioner, Guangzhou, China I am sure many of us remember playing the word-association game. Someone asks you to instantly blurt out the first thought that comes to your mind when you hear a word? For example, I say the word “Circus” and then you tell me the first thing that...
AUSTRALASIAN MISSION TO THE ASIAN FINANCIAL FORUM WITH ...
Hong Kong 13 – 17 January 2013 David Thomas, Chief Executive of Think Global Consulting will lead an Australasian delegation to the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong. The AFF brings together the most influential members and corporate thought leaders in the global financial community in Hong Kong. It is a platform...
CHINA PROSPECTS BETTER – GOOD NEWS FOR NZ EXPORTERS
By Tony Alexander China’s economy has undergone an interesting change in direction over the past three months. Whereas back in September there were high worries regarding the extent of the slowdown in growth and forecasters were paring back their predictions, now there is considerable optimism about what 2013 will...
RMB MATURING AS CROSS-BORDER USAGE BROADENS, SAYS HSBC SURVEY
An HSBC survey has revealed widespread confidence in the future of RMB as a major global trade and investment currency amongst mainland Chinese corporates. The vast majority (77%) of Chinese corporates surveyed expect one-third of all Chinese trade (circa USD 2trn) to be conducted in RMB by 2015 (vs 10% YTD) and 30% plan to...
Your Exported Goods - Crossing the China Customs Border
By Damon Paling, Partner - PwC China Overview The NZ-China FTA has aided in reducing measures that create transaction costs for New Zealand made goods the Chinese border. International studies have shown that an FTA can reduce the landed cost of products on average by between 3% and 7%. Such cost savings may go some...
OEM Trademark Infringement Alert
Non-Chinese companies that engage original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) may be unaware that they or the OEMs are infringing on the PRC-based exclusive trademark rights of third parties. Given varied interpretations of existing PRC trademark...
10 hard truths for small buyers in China
New importers coming to China often wear pink-colored glasses. They find nice samples and smiling salespeople on a trade show. Prices are often lower than they expected. And they reassure themselves with remarks such as “if other foreign buyers also work with them, I am not running huge risks.” The fact is,...
China Product Certifications. The Basics From People Who ...
by Anthony Goh and Matthew Sullivan Like most countries, China requires that certain products receive certifications from a government agency before they can be sold in their country. We have found that dealing with Chinese product certifications can be a major challenge for foreign companies. To help companies better...